Whether you visit the summit or Kipahulu area of the park (or both!) there is much to see, do, and experience.

hikingskywatching learning
campingbirdwatchingguided programs
swimmingnative plantsnative Hawaii
picnickingphotographycultural practices

Hiking: There are both guided hiking and independent hiking opportunities in both the Summit and Kipahulu areas. Find out about our guided hikes.

Camping: There are two wilderness camping areas and two drive up campgrounds in the summit and Kipahulu Areas of the park. Three wilderness cabins are available for overnight trips into the summit area.

Picnicking: There are picnic tables at Hosmer Grove and near the parking lot at Park Headquarters Visitor Center in the Summit area of the park. In the Kipahulu area of the park there are picnic tables in the campground. Picnicking is also permitted in other areas, but please remember to pack out all of your trash.

Swimming: Opportunities for swimming are dependent on conditions in the Kipahulu area. Swimming in the freshwater streams is at your own risk. There is no ocean entry at Kipahulu. There are no lifeguards on duty. Inquire at the Kipahulu Visitor Center BEFORE entering the stream. There is nowhere to swim in the Summit area.

Photography: The scenery in Haleakala National Park is renown for photographic opportunities. Many photographers use low-speed film due to bright light conditions.

Birdwatching: Rare native Hawaiian forest birds can be seen in the summit area, especially in the Hosmer Grove area, Halemauu trail, and in the Paliku area. Nene, Hawaiian goose, can sometimes be seen in the native shrublands in the summit area. Native shorebirds can been observed along the coast in Kipahulu. For more information about the native Hawaiian birds, or to receive an informational brochure, ask at the visitor centers.

Skywatching: Both day and night, the sky can captivate the imagination of the observant visitor. The active tradewinds create dynamic cloud forms and patterns. In the summit area, it is common to have a vantage point above the clouds.

Star watching is part of a long tradition of human use at Haleakala. Since the days of the Hawaiian navigators people have come to the top of the mountain to take advantage of the optimal viewing conditions. Haleakala is considered one of the top sites for astronomical observations and studies. Haleakala National Park offers starwatching programs during the summer. Outside of the national park is a collection of telescope facilities run by the U.S. Airforce and the University of Hawaii, including CEK Mees Solar Observatory and the LURE Observatory and Maui Space Surveillance Complex.

Sunrise and sunset can be beautiful from the summit, but require some extra preparation.

Native Plant Discovery: The summit area of Haleakala National Park is one of the only accessible places on Maui where you can be surrounded by native Hawaiian plants. Most of the trails pass through native Hawaiian plant communities. For more information about the native Hawaiian plants, check out park displays and ask at the visitor centers.

Guided Programs: Haleakala National Park regularly offers naturalist-led hikes, talks, and cultural demonstrations. Check out Park Programs for daily and weekly programs and Special Programs for special hikes and events.

Learning: National Parks are renown as places for life-long learners and children alike. There are three visitor centers in Haleakala National Park that provide information, brochures, and literature to assist your discovery. Many of the trails and overlooks have displays describing different features of Haleakala. Naturalists are available during visitor center hours to answer questions, recommend resources, and help you get the most out of your visit. Guided programs are also available - just check out Park Programs for daily and weekly programs and Special Programs for special hikes and events. Junior Ranger programs are great ways for kids to get involved in their trip to the national park.

Native Hawaii: Haleakala National Park was created in 1916 to preserve the scenery, natural and cultural resources. Haleakala is home to many rare and elusive native species of birds, insects, spiders, and plants. The natural resources within the park are vital part of the Hawaiian culture.

Cultural Practices: People have been living around the Kipahulu area and visiting the summit area of Haleakala National Park for hundreds of years. Learn more about these peoples and their lives and cultures by visiting the park and participating in programs.